CNC brought to you by zip ties

[lucassiglo21] let us know about his finished 3 axis CNC (Translation via Google). While home CNCs are nothing new, we really liked this masterpiece. The CNC is entirely custom, from the electronic control boards (connected to a PC via parallel port) to the physical mill (with an end result of 30x30x15cm workable area). Our favorite part is the use of screw/band clamp zip ties to hold the Dremel – a true showing of hacker geekyness. For those who haven’t seen a CNC drill a circle before (and honestly, who hasn’t?), check a video after the break.

I’m not crazy about using Dremels as CNC spindles (too much play), but zip ties??? Is this really a worthy hack? I prefer a 3/4-16 hex nut brazed to an appropriate mounting bracket. A piece of angle iron works nicely for mounting my Dremel as a tool post grinding on my lathe. (note: I use the Dremel keyless chuck, a collet wrench might not fit with this setup).

Paul: Parallel ports are not merely old school – they are plainly the best choice for controlling stepper motors directly from a computer. The parallel port is fast enough and does not suffer from latency issues that rule out, say, USB.

Fallen: There will always be some misalignment between stepper motor and lead nut, as well as runout in the stepper shaft and connector. When the table moves close to the motor, this can cause the lead screw to bind. One way to do this is with an oldham coupling [http://www.mechanisms101.com/oldham.html], but a bit of rubber hose is more than adequate for this build.

Alexander: I can’t argue that mechanical solutions ever qualify as hacks, but I’ll tell you this much: If using zip ties counts, then so does my approach. I see it as a hack because it is quick and dirty and uses the bolt in an unusual (and, I like to think, inventive) way.

Perhaps you believe the use of an oxy-acetylene torch compromises my hackitude? Unless you have used a torch you might not see the possibilities it opens up for quick proof of concept builds.